A significant clash erupted in the Gaza Strip today when the small Islamist faction the Jund Ansar Allah held a rally in a mosque, where leader Abdel-Latif Moussa declared the tiny enclave an “Islamic emirate” which would enforce Islamic rule, beginning in the border city of Rafah.

Hamas forces raided the mosque, sparking a battle which left at least 24 killed and over 150 wounded, including six Hamas members. Moussa was among the killed, and Hamas claims he took his own life. Hamas officials have criticized the group for being allied with other foreign militant groups (including allegedly al-Qaeda) and denounced them for “wrong thinking.”